I wanted to give a shout out to Kim Witherspoon, a fantastic woman who is, not only my book agent, but a founding member ofÂ Bronx Academy of Letters.

In the culinary world she has represented many chefs with their books, but what a lot of people might not know is that she's a founding member of this public charter school that encourages students to be articulate, critical readers and writers.Â

I've always expressed myself through my cooking but I also know how valuable it is to be able to express yourself through written word. It's fitting that Bronx Academy of Letters honors Kim Witherspoon tonight at its Chef's Tasting Gala and I'll be there with my friend Anthony Bourdain to celebrate her achievement. Congratulations Kim!